In its latest travel warning, the National Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Bureau has published a list warning Israelis on dangers they could face in no fewer than 41 countries – including in Western and Northern Europe. Joining the “traditional” countries on the list, such as Egypt, many African countries, and several in the Far East, are Denmark, Finland, and other countries where Jews and Israelis have recently been attacked.
The travel warning was issued specifically for the upcoming Jewish holiday season, when many Israelis travel abroad. Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year) begins September 13, and Sukkot ends on October 5 – and during that period, Israelis abroad need to be especially aware, the Council said. “Israelis and Jews could be a target for terror attacks especially during this period,” the travel warning read.
The Council said that while it was not issuing any detailed warnings, Israelis abroad should take “extreme care” in Europe, based on intelligence it had received from many sources. Among the Western countries included on the list are Belgium, Canada, Australia, France, Denmark, and other locations in Europe. Israelis are warned to take great care when traveling to these destinations, and keep a “low profile” where possible.
The Council said that while it was not issuing any detailed warnings, Israelis abroad should take “extreme care” in Europe, based on intelligence it had received from many sources. Among the dangers are kidnappings, bombings, and hostage events. Israelis should avoid “unnecessary travel” altogether, especially to the countries for which warnings were issued.
Among the terror threats Israelis face abroad are possible attacks by Jihadist groups, Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists, and ISIS operatives. While Israel is not the prime target for Jihadist groups, “we are definitely one of their targets,” the Council said.
In addition, “the Shi’ite terror campaign [lead by Iran] against Israelis continues as before, and we believe they have added to their infrastructure. This is an insatiable enemy that we face. We will do everything necessary to protect Israelis,” it added.
